Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes requires counties to enforce victim and witness rights. Every victim and witness is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Staff will assist you throughout the criminal court process by answering questions, assisting with restitution and provide you the opportunity to express your concerns.

VICTIMS OF CRIME HAVE THE RIGHT:

To be informed of your rights and how to exercise them.

To contact information to find out if the offender is in custody.

To notice of a decision not to prosecute if an arrest has been made.

To speak (confer) with the prosecutor about the possible outcome of the case, potential plea agreements and sentencing options, upon request.

To attend court proceedings.

To notice of the time, date and place of upcoming court proceedings, upon request.

To a waiting area separate from defense witnesses.

To a speedy disposition of the criminal case.

To have the court consider your interest before deciding to grant a request for a delay (continuance).

To notice if charges are dismissed.

To request help with talking to an employer about court appearances and meetings with the prosecutor (in an attempt to avoid work problems).

To be contacted about the right to make a statement at the disposition or sentencing (victim impact statement).

To provide to the court at the time of sentencing, a written and/or oral victim impact statement concerning the economic, physical and psychological effects of the crime.

To have the impact of the crime on you included in a pre-sentence investigation.

To sentencing or dispositional information, upon request.

To restitution.

To a civil judgment for unpaid restitution.

To apply for crime victim compensation.

To have property returned when it is no longer needed as evidence.

To be notified if a prisoner is released or escapes, upon request.

To contact the Department of Justice to complain about any concerns you may have about your treatment as a crime victim.

To request an order for an offender to submit to a test for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV test. The right to request this is limited to offenses where the law allows.

To receive a complete list of rights or for information or explanation about these rights or any other rights, please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator or District Attorney.

WITNESSES HAVE THE RIGHT:

To request information from the district attorney about the final outcome of the case.

To notice that a court proceeding to which a witness has been subpoenaed will not go on as scheduled, in order to save an unnecessary trip to court.

To receive protection from harm and threats of harm arising from witness cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts, and information as to the level of protection available.

To information about financial assistance and other social services available as a result of being a witness of a crime, including how to apply for the assistance and services.

To information on the procedure to be followed in order to apply for and receive any witness fee to which a witness is entitled.